A long-serving Oxfordshire Scout leader is to receive a top honour in the organisation's St George's Day awards.

Val Butcher, District Commissioner of the Oxford Spires Scout District, has been awarded the prestigious Silver Acorn for distinguished service.

Mrs Butcher's long career with the Scouts began at the age of just 16 years as a Ranger Guide when she was asked to help out at Wembley's Wolf Cub Pack as part of her Guiding community service.

Mrs Butcher, 59, of Brasenose Drive, Kidlington, said more than four decades of service with the Scouts had been truly rewarding.

The Thames Valley Police administrator said: "I was chuffed to bits when I heard I had been chosen for a Silver Acorn because it is Scouting's third highest award.

"I have been in Scouting for 43 years and I have thoroughly enjoyed it.

Peter Phillips, Assistant District Commissioner in the South Chiltern district, which includes Henley, is also receiving the Silver Acorn, and there are four recipients of the Silver Wolf award, including Alex Samler, 76, a long-serving cub leader from Chilton.

Mr Samler, who is the assistant district commissioner for cub scouts in the area, has been involved in scouting for nearly 30 years.

Mr Samler said: "The award was out of the blue and I was quite delighted.

"Scouting is a very special thing for me. I feel if we have kept people off the streets and out of trouble then anyone involved in the scouts has done a good job."